Pilot reviews of Sackville Farm Airfield

“We took a PA28 Archer11 in last Tuesday evening - 3 up and tanks over the tabs. Circuit to the East (Left Hand for 13) and 1000’ for a quiet approach. Windspeed was low - probably only about 5kt headwind component and R/W surface was dry, gently undulating in parts but quite smooth. No problem getting in or out and there’s plenty of ‘get out of jail’ space around. Owner Tim Wilkinson is very helpful. He’s experienced with flying and will give all the necessary advice when you PPR. It was quiet (as expected) but the Clubroom was open for us to make a coffee and book in/out. All in all a very pleasant experience. Having made all our R/T calls blind on their frequency we even got a cheery “Hope you enjoyed it” as we departed. We hope to be able to fly in again soon.”

“Flew into Sackville Farm on a PA28 yesterday (05 March). The airfield is PPR; however, the website has everything that is needed. The airfield doesn't quite stand out in winter/spring - maybe that's because runway 13/31 is larger than one would expect at an unlicensed airfield! Sackville Farm is at 10 nm on track 098 from Northampton/Sywell, and located halfway between the closed airfields at Bedford and Chelveston (about 1.5 nm from either). For the VFR-challenged, it's at 23.5 DME on radial 085 from DTY VOR. Of course, noise abatement is a must here, and all neighbouring villages are to be avoided - especially Riseley, so take care not to extend the downwind leg much further than the threshold, and plan for a short turn to final if using runway 31. (Approaches to 13 are more straightforward). The airfield has its own frequency (122.9 MHz), but there was no answer to my initial call, so better make "blind" position reports in the circuit. The airfield is used by microlights and gliders - lookout is a must. The grass strip is 730m x 28m, so it is possible to land a bit "long" to avoid Riseley village on final. Smooth landing surface, although I was told there could be the odd soft area after prolonged rains. I was welcomed over the R/T by a gentleman taking his Czech microlight for a flight and encouraged to use the facilities and make myself comfortable. The clubhouse is old but has all the necessary amenities; first order of the day was to pay the landing fee - there isn't any! Second order was paying for the coffee - it's free of charge! My kind of place... The welcoming attitude continued with the club members present on the day; we ended up exchanging experiences of various airfields where we had respectively been (or not)! Altogether there is a very relaxed, laid-back "feel" about the place. Highly recommended! On departure, runway 31 was used again, and despite the "dip" in the middle, was more than enough for a PA28-151 with 3/4 full tanks (and flaps 10). Airspace immediately adjacent to Sackville Farm is Class G until FL75.”

“Friendly airfield with nice long runway. Pleanty of quite large undulations to watch out for but surface itself is good. Nice and easy to spot even for a first time visitor. I visited Sackville farm for a fly in and Bar-B-Q - so can't comment on the food available in the clubhouse. Its a PPR and you need to avoid overflying local villages ”

“Lovely friendly airfield, interesting mix of flying there. ”